We are Denny and Linda, the RV Vagabonds, traveling the country in our 2011 Landmark Grand Canyon fifth wheel. After fourteen years on the road we met our goal of playing golf in every state of the Union, so now we're just being footloose and fancy-free until we get the urge to settle down.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

I Hope It's the Drugs

Today when I was trying to get my mother to eat her breakfast she kept staring over my shoulder. I finally asked her what she saw back there and she said "your dad". "My dad is behind me?" I asked. "Yes", she said. Okay. Never mind the fact that my father has been dead for twelve years. So there is still weirdness going on even when the nurse hasn't given my mother any pain medication. That's a bit worrisome considering the fact she's an alcohol abuser.

Mom slept through breakfast today when I was there and according to the nurse she slept through lunch and she was trying very hard to sleep through dinner when I left (it was time for my brother to be the nagger). Social services has sent the paperwork to a local nursing home that can and will handle Mom if she still needs the TPN IV for nutrition. The hospital would prefer that Mom was eating solids when they release her but I think they will release her regardless. The nurse was able to get Mom up to walk to the hallway today which is good, but the mental confusion she's still suffering has me really concerned. But it seems I'm the only one who is bothered by it (maybe it's just the idea of my dead father looking over my shoulder--ya think?) I'll see what happens over the next couple of days. Friday would be the earliest the hospital would release her according to Social Services with Monday being more likely. So Mom is improving physically but declining mentally; not the win/win situation I was hoping for.

On the bright side, our temperatures are supposed to get into the 50s tomorrow. I'm ready for sunshine, daffodils and the smell of freshly turned earth in the flower beds. Yep, I'm definitely ready for Spring.

Hello, I have been caring for my mother for six months. She is 88 years old, strong, happy woman that unfortunately broke her hip and is now unable to walk on her own. I encourage her to walk, with my help of course, she really wants to but it is painful and difficult for her. I love your blog. Where did you learn to set up your web page??? I want the same thing for myself to write about my experience with my mother.

About Me

RV Vagabonds: Denny and I purchased our first motorhome on a whim in 1993 and
decided after our first week-long journey to investigate the idea of
full-time rving when we retired. In 1998 we hit the road, looking for
cheap campgrounds located close to golf courses, wandering the red roads
(red lines on state maps) and looking for adventure. When we eat out,
we avoid chain restaurants, preferring the "mom and pop" places or any
locally owned restaurant instead. We're attracted to museums, oddball
attractions, national parks and anyplace on or near water and/or mountains. We love our
life on wheels.

That being said, after fifteen (!) years of life on the road, Denny and I have purchased a house in The Villages and have sold Black Beauty and The Beast. And so a new lifestyle begins...